Current Housestaff

Chief Residents

Hometown: San Francisco, CA Undergraduate: Barnard College of Columbia University Hobbies: Travel, movies, food. Paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking. Why LAC+USC: The people, the patients, the place Plans after residency: TBD

Ariana Getz, D.O. Western University of health Sciences

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI Undergraduate: University of Michigan Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine Hobbies: Tennis, basketball, soccer, boogie boarding, Disneyland, traveling, video games Why LAC+USC: I chose LAC+USC for several reasons. To sum it up, it was the people – from the people in the program to the workers to the patient population. USC was one of the only programs where I really got a gut feeling that I belonged here. Everyone seemed to have such big hearts here. Everyone is so committed to our patient population, and that really seemed to permeate throughout the entire program. Working with this population is special for me and I always desired to work with this sort of underserved population. It affords so many opportunities to get involved and help out beyond just medicine. I felt that there was true community engagement here and that was very compelling. I also like the size of the program here. It’s not so big that you get lost in the crowd but still has exposure to a ton of different pathology. Although there are many other reasons and factors, let’s just say being in LA and the excellent board pass rate didn’t hurt either. Plans after residency: I’m pretty sure I want to do general pediatrics. I am still undecided if that will be in the inpatient hospitalist role or the outpatient role as I really love both.

Pruthul Patel, M.D.Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Jaclyn Vargas Hometown: San Diego, CA Undergraduate: University of San Francisco Hobbies: Baking, hiking, painting Why LAC+USC: I went here for medical school. I loved the residents, staff, attendings and of course the patients. I wanted to keep working with the underserved and this was the place to continue working with people who share that passion. Plans after residency: Ask me in 2 years? Academic, transitional care of chronic diseases?

Jaclyn Vargas-Gureczny, M.D.Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Hometown: Newcastle, WA Undergraduate: Washington State University Hobbies: Talking to my dogs in a silly voice, cooking, tennis, reading books about social and economic justice, learning Spanish Why LAC+USC: I’m proud to work and train in a medical center that does meaningful work where access by the community is a core part of its mission. Plans after residency: Fellowship or wherever the currents of residency take me

Hometown: Exton, PA Undergraduate: Pennsylvania State University Hobbies: Spending time with my family and friends, watching comedy, painting, cooking Why LAC+USC: The first thing I noticed when I interviewed here was how people cared so much about their patients– they felt it was their privilege to serve an underserved population. People here are also very supportive and are truly there for each another. Plans after residency: Fellowship

Sreeramya Kanumilli, M.D.Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Hometown: San Jose, CA Undergraduate: UCLA Hobbies: eating, constantly yelping the next place to eat at, attending concerts and music festivals, board games, watching and playing sports, especially college and NBA basketball Why LAC+USC: Opportunity to provide care to an underserved patient population in one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the world. Plans after residency: not sure yet

David La, D.O.Touro University Nevada

Hometown: Bucaramanga, Colombia Undergraduate: U of Utah Hobbies: eat out and explore new restaurants, then do crossfit to burn the calories. I also like to watch really fit people exercise really fast. Why LAC+USC: the people! My dream job is to work with and help provide high quality care to immigrants and underserved populations and here is where that happens. Also the faculty and staff are very supportive, approachable, and caring. Plans after residency: No idea – I’m hoping to figure it out soon.

Maria Martes Gomez, D.O.A.T. Still University, Kirksville

Hometown: Anaheim Undergraduate: San Diego State University Hobbies: piano, basketball, spending time with friends and family Why LAC+USC: I chose this program because of the excellent clinical training, teaching, residents, and because I wanted to work somewhere committed to meeting both the medical as well as psychosocial needs of our patients. Plans after residency: not sure yet

Hometown: Breckenridge, CO Undergraduate: American University Hobbies: reading by the pool, yoga, happy hour, being outside. Why LAC+USC: I love that the entire community at LAC+USC is so mission-driven. I wanted to train with other people who are dedicated to providing excellent care for under-resourced communities. Plans after residency: Community pediatrics

Rachel Rosenthal, M.D.Weill Cornell Medicine

Hometown: Benicia, CA Undergraduate: UC Berkeley Hobbies: hiking, traveling, skiing, hugging Why LAC+USC: LAC+USC inspired me by the way they advocate and support their patients. I wanted to be at an institution that was passionate about serving the underserved. Plans after residency: Possibly fellowship in child abuse

Adrienne Schlatter, D.O.Rowan University

Hometown: Pomona, CA Undergraduate: Williams College Hobbies: Cooking, Exploring farmer’s markets, Running Why LAC+USC: I wanted to work with Spanish-speaking patients and underserved communities. Plans after residency: To be a Pediatrician!

Sarah Sotelo, M.D.University of Cincinnati

PGY-2

Hometown: Lockport, NY Undergraduate: Northeastern University Hobbies: Rock climbing, cooking, making ice cream, movies, sleeping Why LAC+USC: I really felt at home during my interview here. My initial impression was that everyone was really supportive here, which resonated with me. I also wanted to work with a diverse patient population. Also living in LA. Plans after residency: Undecided.

Emily Brandt, D.O. University of New England

Hometown: San Francisco, CA Undergraduate: Cornell University Hobbies: reading, watching baseball, bingeing podcasts, exploring new places with family and friends Why LAC + USC: The patients. I wanted to work for an urban underserved community and LAC is one of the largest public safety net hospitals in California. I wanted to come home to California and serve. Plans after residency: Critical Care Fellowship

Melissa Lee, M.D.Michigan State University, Flint

Hometown: Daly City, CAUndergraduate: UC BerkeleyHobbies: Trying new restaurants (huge foodie), exploring new places, cooking, hanging out with my husbandWhy LAC+USC: I like that everyone at the program is passionate about serving the underserved population and that all the residents and faculty treat each other like family. Being from California, it is nice to be back home and be near family. Plans after residency: General pediatrics

Janice Chan, D.O.Rocky Vista University

Hometown: Cotati, CAUndergraduate: San Francisco State UniversityHobbies: Travel, making short videos, and quality time with my pupWhy LAC+USC: This program was crystal clear that their purpose is to serve the community and provide care for kids that need it most. Also I’m very excited to be back in California!Plans after residency: Possible endocrine fellowship or general pediatrics. I’m trying to keep my mind open.

Anthony Parish, M.D. Rush Medical College

Hometown: Riverside, CAUndergraduate: UC RiversideHobbies: Surfing, Scuba Diving, Baseball (Go Dodgers!), Archery, Running, Drums, Hiking, Motorcycles, Art, Comic Books, and Fishing!Why LAC+USC: The patient population here, how much every team member advocates and works for patients with limited resources, the absolute dedication everyone has for each of their patients, and being able to train in an incredible city like LA while so close to the beach! Plans after residency: Still deciding, but currently debating between outpatient Pediatrics or pursuing fellowship!

Mark Hilado, M.D.University of California, Riverside

Hometown: Sylmar, CAUndergraduate: UCLAHobbies: Spending time with family and friends, church, mentoring, listening to music, exploring new ice cream flavors, traveling, and board games.Why LAC+USC: I’ve always wanted to dedicate my life to working in an underserved area and providing care to those who need it the most. LAC+USC embodies such values and a mission I’m most committed to.Plans after residency: Primary Care

Bianca Carrion-Jackson, M.D.Albany Medical College

Hometown: Olympia, WAUndergraduate: Whitworth University Hobbies: Yoga, Singing, Camping/Hiking Why LAC+USC: I chose LAC + USC because of the patient population served here. I also observed how deeply committed the faculty and residents are to advocating for their patients and families and I felt excited to be a part of that.Plans after residency: Outpatient medicine with an emphasis in sexual health/advocacy but considering infectious disease and child abuse specialties.

Meghan Brombach,D.O.A.T. Still University, Arizona

Hometown: Seattle, WAUndergraduate: University of WashingtonHobbies: Drawing, reading, going on walks, hanging out with my wife!Why LAC + USC: it was very important for me to find a program/hospital that serves its community and underserved population, AND it was equally important for me to find a group of residents & staff that share my passion in medicine. LAC was the only program that met both criteria. Also, I FREAKING LOVE LA! There is literally a million things to do, and there’s a little something for everyone. Plans after residency: community medicine/outpatient pediatrics

Suk-Joon (Peter) Hong, M.D.Meharry Medical College

Hometown: LA (San Fernando Valley)Undergraduate: UCSDHobbies: I love hanging out with friends and family, reading, cooking, having bursts of “artistic” moments (pretending to know how to paint). I also love traveling to new places and eating at those new places. Once upon a time, I loved volunteering, I hope to get back to it someday! Why LAC+USC: I did a sub-I during my 4th year and absolutely LOVED working with the residents. I had such a blast and learned/saw a variety of interesting cases. The leadership and faculty at USC are very patient centered and education centered, both of which I wanted to find in a residency program. Finally, it’s very close to home so it was a bonus that I’d be coming home to my family and friends! Plans after residency: Fellowship, currently thinking Neonatology.

Srinandini Skhamuru, D.O. Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University

Hometown: Makakilo, HIUndergraduate: University of Notre DameHobbies: Longboarding and freestyle rapping; I’m bad at both but still love it.Why LAC+USC: The faculty and residents! Every day of my sub-internship at LAC+USC, I saw this group truly fight for their patients, always going the extra mile. It was their passion and resilience that stood out, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this team!Plans after residency: PICU, pulmonology, or hospitalist

Jayme Ogino, M.D.A.T. Still University, Arizona

Hometown: Born and raised in the Greater Los Angeles area (Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks)Undergraduate: UCLAHobbies: Music (Drums), Sports (Basketball, Football, Golf, still learning to surf), Cinema (I enjoy watching all movies at any time of the day), FOOD!Why LAC+USC: At LAC+USC, physicians do more than just care for their patients. They create connections, form relationships, and most of all, advocate for their patients. Advocacy is of the utmost importance for patient care, especially with the population that presents at LAC+USC. It is the perfect place for me to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to care for all patients. Plans after residency: Considering fellowship, but also would like to work with primary care.

Nitin Bajaj, D.O.A.T. Still University, Arizona

PGY-1

Hometown: Walnut, CA Undergrad: UC Irvine Hobbies: Yoga, reading, kickboxing, hiking, traveling, singing to Adele in the car Why LAC+USC Pediatrics: I love the patient population here and how passionate everyone is about making a positive impact on the community. Plans after residency: Working with special needs children

Ai-Vy Bui, D.O.

Hometown: Blue Springs, MO Undergrad: University of Missouri – Kansas City Hobbies: Traveling, long boarding, hiking, reading, and spending time with my favorite people. Why LAC+USC Pediatrics: Before interviewing I was drawn in by LAC‘s patient population. After talking with residents and faculty it became clear that everyone shared the same enthusiasm for caring and advocating for the underserved. There was no question that LAC was where I wanted to train. Added bonus that my boyfriend and I both love LA! Plans after residency: I think inpatient medicine is most appealing at this point; whether that means PICU, NICU, or working as a Hospitalist, I’m not too sure.

Hometown: Port St. Lucie, Florida Undergrad: Cornell University Hobbies: Reading, running, music shows, bingeing tv and movies, working at cafes Why LAC+USC Pediatrics: I loved the vibe of the residents and was excited to work with caring hospital staff with a diverse population of people in LA county. The food and weather in LA were the cherry on top. Plans after residency: Maybe Peds GI or Adolescent Medicine! I’m open for any det

Andrew Ebanks, M.D.

Hometown: Alpine, UT Undergrad: University of Utah Hobbies: Ballet/Barre, Fly Fishing, Sketching/Painting, Binge-watching a great TV show, Camping, Skiing/Snowboarding and exploring the outdoors! Why LAC+USC Pediatrics: The people who work here are the most inspiring and amazing people that I have ever met. After spending a month here during medical school, I was hooked! I am excited to train alongside others who are passionate about working with the underserved. The warm weather, nearby family and great food are definitely a plus! Plans after residency: Considering a fellowship in Heme/Onc or Allergy/Immunology. Otherwise I will pursue General Pediatrics with an emphasis on Child Advocacy.

Nisa Fraser, D.O.

Hometown: Chicago Undergrad: USC Hobbies: sports, traveling and hiking Why LAC+USC Pediatrics: is a long story Plans after residency: I hope to continue into a fellowship after peds

Adam Freeman, D.O.

Hometown: Placentia, CA Undergrad: University of California, Irvine Hobbies: Playing and watching sports, Eating, Sleeping, Drawing, and listening to Music. Why LAC+USC Pediatrics: The compassion, joy and dedication to service here from the residents to the attendings is infectious and draws you in. I was personally blown away by the services provided for underprivileged patients at LAC+USC Pediatrics and I believe that the working with this diverse patient population will make me a better pediatrician. Plans after residency: Possibly fellowship but we’ll see where this journey takes me.

Veeral Katheria

Hometown: Fresno, California Undergrad: University of California – San Diego Hobbies: (to name a few) weightlifting, video games, reading fiction books and books about Stoicism, and taking care of my guinea pigs. Why LAC+USC Pediatrics: The strong sense of passion which is present in all members of the care team for the patient population at LAC+USC. I rotated here as 4th year medical student and really enjoyed my iterations with patients, residents, attending physicians, and ancillary staff at LAC+USC. Plans after residency: Fellowship! We’ll see what sub-specialty I pursue.

Mohammad Khorsand, D.O.

Hometown: Marlboro, NJ Undergrad: Drexel University Hobbies: dancing, painting, listening to music, reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling Why LAC+USC Pediatrics: I was drawn to LAC+USC because all the residents and faculty were dedicated to not only providing excellent care for their patients but advocating for them as well. I knew I wanted to be at an institution that put service and advocacy at the forefront and LAC+USC fit that bill. And of course – the good weather! =) Plans after residency: Fellowship, thinking PICU or NICU right now

Hiral Lathia, M.D.

Hometown: West Covina, CA Undergrad: UC Irvine Hobbies: Eating, basketball, golf, running, and working out Why LAC+USC Pediatrics: After auditioning and having the opportunity to meet the residents and faculty and experience the culture first hand it honestly just felt like the right program for me. I knew LAC+USC would challenge me mentally, support me emotionally, and also keep me close to my family in Southern California. I’m also very excited to serve the diverse LA community, improve my Spanish, and be a part of something big. Plans after residency: Considering a chief year, finding a faculty position, or joining a practice.

Kris Liban, D.O.

Hometown: San Diego Undergrad: UC Irvine Hobbies: Hiking, Camping, Dancing, Painting, Reading Why LAC+USC Pediatrics: Location, small/medium program size, serving an underserved population, half day didactics were all things that mattered to me. I also really loved the feel of the program during my interview day. Plans after residency: Outpatient pediatrics

Keysha Pourhosseini, D.O.

Med-Peds PGY-4

Fernanda Delgado: Hometown: Pico Rivera, CA Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego Post-Bac: University of California, San Francisco/ San Francisco State University Hobbies: Cheesy jokes and making faces, cooking, sunsets in the mountains and on the coast, spending time with my family Why LAC+USC: Being from the area, I wanted to return to a program that offered excellent training, a wealth of patients, and a wonderful balance of academia and service. LAC+USC Medicine-Pediatrics is the perfect combination of camaraderie and support that comes with co-residents who are invested in the communities they serve. Plans after residency: Primary Care/Transitional Care

Fernanda Delgado, M.D.University of Washington

Alexis Gordon: Hometown: Santa Paula, CA Undergraduate: Cornell University Hobbies: yoga, working out, cooking, molecular gastronomy when there’s time! And of course, enjoying food and drink with family and friends Why LAC+USC: The patients- they are simply an amazing and dynamic group of people who have so much to teach us. Plans after residency: NHSC Scholarship – working in underserved areas of California

Alexis Gordon, M.D.Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Rebekah Harding: Hometown: Anchorage, AK and Chicago, IL Undergraduate: Huntington University Hobbies: Reading novels, running, biking, and recently, my husband and I have gotten into coffee! Why LAC+USC: I loved that the program and the hospital’s focus was universally on serving the underserved and I felt it aligned with my interests right away. When I visited I pretty instantly felt the like-mindedness of those I met and knew the experience of being a resident at LAC+USC would provide an invaluable medical education. Plans after residency: Unsure, most likely primary care!

Sara Ptasnik, M.D.Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Minoo Sarkarati: Hometown: Laguna Niguel, CA Undergraduate: UC Berkeley Hobbies: Running, gamelan Why LAC+USC: It is the best place to serve the people, and learn great medicine! I love my patients here. Plans after residency: Teaching, General Med-Peds, and public health/policy work.

Minoo Sarkarati, M.D.Meharry Medical College

Jena Sussex: Hometown: San Clemente, CA Undergrad: USC Hobbies: Surfing, vegetarian cooking, yoga and exercise classes, hanging out with friends and family Why LAC+USC: The patients! More than once in medical school I met a patient who had been turned away from an outside hospital for lack of insurance, and came for care at LAC+USC. To see a patient that needs medical attention, and be able to tell them that you will take care of them regardless of insurance, citizenship, or socio-economic background is an incredible opportunity. I knew I didn’t want to practice anywhere else. Plans after residency: Still deciding 🙂 Interested in infectious disease and critical care!

Jena Sussex, M.D.Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Med-Peds PGY-3

Hometown: Ramona (San Diego), California Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego Hobbies: running, hiking, laying under trees, knitting, eating yellow peaches, spending time with my family, and trying to keep my basil plant alive. Why LAC+USC: I wanted to be part of a diverse community. I also admire the physicians that work here are they wholeheartedly invest their energy and time to give back to a very underserved community. I wanted to work along side physicians which will help shape the type of physician I want to become. Plans after residency: Own a little farm where I can have 2 goats, 3 chickens, 2 dogs, and a huge rose garden. I would like to remain at a teaching hospital ideally practicing both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. I’m not entirely sure about the exact plans but I am open to the endless possibilities.

Hometown: Yardley, Pennsylvania Undergraduate: University of Colorado, Boulder Hobbies: Playing and writing music, cooking food and going to concerts with my other half, camping out with a great view of the stars, and traveling and meeting new people. Why LAC+USC: I have always believed healthcare is a human right and have wanted to provide care for all, regardless of citizenship, language, or economic background. Working at LA County helps me to do that. When I met the Med+Peds residents and faculty here during a 4th year Med+Peds rotation, I saw how devoted and humble everyone was. It truly felt like the right place to be. Plans after residency: Undetermined as of now, but interested in global health fellowships, practicing internationally and working to build healthcare systems in developing countries, academic medicine and teaching.

Julian Hirschbaum, D.O.A.T. Still University, Arizona

Hometown: Saratoga, CA Undergraduate: UC Berkeley Hobbies: Coffee, food, spending time with friends and family, playing violin Why LAC+USC: Being able to work with inspiring and dedicated faculty and residents that share a common vision of advocating for the patients who most desperately need medical care Plans after residency: TBD, possibly transitional care, possibly med+peds hospitalist

Tiffany Pan, M.D. Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Hometown: Corona, CA Undergraduate: USC Hobbies: Writing, traveling, hiking, binge watching Top Chef, exploring new places in LA Why LAC+USC: Having trained at USC for medical school, I instantly fell in love with the patient population and the hospital’s capacity to enact positive change in the lives of some of the most impoverished people in LA. The ethos of the institution of treating whomever walks through the door, regardless of their socioeconomic status or where they come from is the epitome of what healthcare should be. Plans after residency: Continuing global health work at Wema Children’s Center in Kenya, Primary Care Med+Peds or Med+Peds Endocrine

Erica Patel, M.D.Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Hometown: Redlands, CA AKA "Dead" lands Undergraduate: UC Berkeley Grad School: Loma Linda University (MPH) Med School: University of Arizona-Tucson Hobbies: Travelling, hiking, biking, volunteering, playing board games, playing basketball, annoying my Husky Zuzu aka The Zooz Why LAC+USC: the privilege of working with an amazing and humbling patient population, dedicated and inspiring residents/faculty/program leadership who want to make a difference, community outreach opportunities, close to family Plans after residency: Jail/prison doctor for juvenile and adult inmates. I also hope to open a clinic in the community for those being released from jails/prisons who need primary care and to be involved in advocacy/health policy.

Peter Soliman, M.D. University of Arizona

Med-Peds PGY-2

Hometown: Walnut, CAUndergraduate: USCHobbies: Cooking and checking out new restaurants, reading (anything by David Mitchell), and going for a runWhy LAC+USC: The inspiring residents and staff here committed to providing socially conscious care to our patient population!Plans after residency: Med-Peds hospitalist

Michelle Banh, M.D.Tulane University

Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJUndergraduate: Swarthmore CollegeMedical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Hobbies: finding the best local bites, yelling at my TV because a Philadelphia sports team is blowing it again, napping whenever possible, looking for volleyball or basketball games to embarrass myself in, trying to find the prime spot to place my first settlement in Settlers of CatanWhy LAC + USC: I found people that I love practicing the type of medicine that I love with a population that I love – it was a no brainer. LA is cool too, I guess…ain’t no Philly thoughPlans after Residency: something that will keep me engaged with medical education + service to the community + medicine + pediatrics

Ammar Dahodwala, M.D.Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

Hometown: Irvine, CAUndergraduate: Pennsylvania State UniversityHobbies: Yoga, ice cream, hiking, going to the beach, Yelp-ing, catspotting, petting other people’s dogsWhy LAC+USC: I love the patient population and the culture of service here. No one says no to going the extra mile for a patient; everyone is committed to providing the best care for the underserved, and its amazing being with people who share the same passion.Plans after residency: Not sure yet, but I like the idea of being a Med+Peds hospitalist while having my own continuity clinic. If I end up specializing, I’d probably go for Endocrinology.

Alda Huang, M.D.Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Hometown: Carson, CA Undergraduate: Stanford University Hobbies: Playing guitar, journaling/writing songs, jogging Why LAC+USC: I wanted to be a part of a community where both faculty and residents value the mission of working with marginalized populations. I truly admire my co-residents and am excited to be challenged to grow with them over the next few years. Plans after residency: I have interests in public health, heart disease, and homelessness, so I may pursue a career in primary care or cardiology.

Margaret Nkansah, M.D.Albany Medical College

Hometown: Richmond, CaliforniaUndergraduate: Stanford UniversityHobbies: Tennis, playing ukulele and piano, exploring restaurants, seeing live music. Why LAC+USC: I loved my rotations in medical school at the county hospitals and wanted an experience where I can serve. I wanted to be in an environment where we’re both building medical skills as well as the special skills it takes to care for socially complex patients. Los Angeles is a diverse, urban city, the type of place I wanted to be for my professional and social life. I’m also a California native and wanted to stay!Plans after residency: I want to practice as a Med+Peds hospitalist combined with global health, but am keeping an open mind to primary care and subspecialties.

Hannah Obasi, M.D. University of California, San Francisco

Med-Peds PGY-1

Hometown: Ramona, CA Undergrad: Stanford University Hobbies: Cooking (experimenting with new and old recipes), spending time with family and my dogs, woodburning, learning new arts and crafts, watching movies/late night shows, camping Why LAC+USC: I was impressed by the warmth and friendship of the Med-Peds family here. Moreover, the commitment to providing care to a diverse and underserved community drew me to the program. I came to love medicine at a county hospital and knew I wanted to train in a place with similar values and resources. Also, this is closer to home and I’m happy to back in SoCal 🙂 Plans after residency: Not sure, but I am interested in hospital medicine vs primary care.

Jacqueline Cervantes

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Undergrad: Columbia University Hobbies: cooking, baking (especially pies), traveling, consuming excessive amounts of media/art/food, film/photography, reading (fiction, nonfiction, and long-form journalism) Why LAC+USC: I went here for medical school and was fortunate to have had my most formative clinical experiences at this institution. I believe in the mission of this hospital and wanted to train alongside compassionate people who work tirelessly to provide care for a largely marginalized population. Plans after residency: I am currently undecided but I hope to do some combination of hospitalist medicine, clinic, and academics/research. I am particularly interested in the adolescent/young adult population and the intersection between mental health, juvenile justice, and the foster care system.

Raeye Daniel

Hometown: Orange County, CA Undergrad: Pomona College Hobbies: Ultimate frisbee, soccer, backpacking, writing, cooking, instruments, whispering sweet nothings to my houseplants Why LAC+USC: I love the service-mission of LAC! I wanted to join a community of similarly-motivated people who could inspire me. Also, the weather, the people, and being close to family 🙂 Plans after residency: combined IM-Peds nephro fellowship?!

Jonas Kwok

Hometown: Sofia, Bulgaria & Los Angeles Undergrad: UC Berkeley Hobbies: spending time with family and specifically my toddler, roller skating, running a Health Sciences Mentorship Program at a local public school. Why LAC+USC: Its commitment to providing care for our most vulnerable communities. Plans after residency: Primary Care

Margarita Ivanova

Hometown: Highland Park/Eagle Rock, California Undergrad: USC Hobbies: drawing, art, writing, learning languages, violin, singing Why LAC+USC: As a Keck student, I was impressed by faculty and residents’ dedication to caring for the underserved of Los Angeles County in a humanistic, patient-centered manner, their passion for social justice, and their strong interest in teaching med students and residents. Plans after residency: combined ID fellowship (primary care for people living with HIV), primary care, or pediatric cards in an academic setting

Sarah Soliman

Hometown: Los Angeles Undergrad: USC Hobbies: Contemporary events, jogging, spending time with toddler son Why LAC+USC: Want to start serving my local community during residency Plans after residency: Assume leadership position within a community health / primary care health setting